News: Press Releases

Statement from UMass President Marty Meehan

In wake of events in Charlottesville and at University of Virginia, Meehan reaffirms UMass commitment to confronting bigotry

The abhorrent actions of white supremacists and other hate groups in Charlottesville over the weekend are a tragic reminder of the vile hatred, fear and ignorance that plague our society and the significant amount of work still ahead of us.

At UMass, we believe that diversity strengthens us, enriches our campuses and creates learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. We believe in the equality of all people, no matter their race, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status or any other factor. We encourage a productive exchange of ideas and do not fear disagreement, but we condemn and will not stand for any form of hate speech or violence.

So as we approach the start of another academic year, we reaffirm that racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry have no place on our five campuses. We remain committed to creating an atmosphere of inclusion, equality and justice, where people of all backgrounds feel safe and valued, and where these dark, violent reminders of our divided past only move us to work more diligently toward a better future.